Hairline cracks on iPhone and Apple Watch displays are now a paid repair

Hairline cracks on iPhones and Apple Watches have been reclassified as accidental damage, meaning they are no longer covered under the standard warranty. This is due to a change in Apple’s warranty policy from earlier this week.

This didn’t use to be the case, hairline cracks (ones that appear with no visible point of impact) were a free repair. They still are for iPads and Macs, but Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been notified that iPhones and Watches are no longer covered.

AppleCare+ does have accidental damage protection, so that $380 screen replacement (for an iPhone 15 Pro Max) will cost just $29. On the downside, you will be paying a $10/month subscription (also available as $200 for 2 years) or more if you get the theft and loss protection.

It’s not clear what motivated the policy change or how long the iPads and Macs will keep the freebie repair option. If you’re not using one already, consider getting a screen protector for your iPhone.

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